In ancient times, there were no martial arts schools as we now know them. Instruction took place wherever and whenever a teacher decided to practice or to share his wisdom -- whether in an open field or deep within a fog-shrouded mountain. Some martial arts masters claimed that the only school was on the battlefield. 

KENSHO FURUYA, KODO

In their pure form, the martial arts demand the intense awareness of the meditative mind, and have nothing to do with anger or wanton aggression. A practitioner is taught from the outset that the skills must never be used for personal gain, but only in self-defense or in the protection of others -- and even then only enough force as is absolutely necessary should be used.  DAVID FONTANA
In the martial arts, the relationship of Master and disciple is a peculiar one. At the beginning, we may find the training not alluring and exciting, but boring. We would be wise to remember that the beginning is but the foundation of what can become a great edifice.

TRI THONG DANG

Rather than being confined to a separate dimension, martial arts should be an extension of our way of living, of our philosophies, of the way we educate our children, of the job we devote so much of our time to, of the relationships we cultivate, and of the choices we make every day.  

D. BOLELLI

Achieving a state devoid of doubt is the essence of martial arts.

KAZUMI TABATA